Funding Challenges for Charities

Who Am I?

Hi, I’m Steph, founder of Savvy Business Management, parish councillor for Checkley Parish Council, chair of Great Wood Community Hall, and volunteer youth leader at Tean Youth Club. Through these roles, I work closely with charities and community groups who rely on funding to keep going, and I understand the frustrations and pressure that come with securing grants and raising money.

If you’ve ever spent hours filling out funding applications, hunting down deadlines, or dealing with last-minute changes, you’re not alone. This week, I’m talking about the realities of funding challenges, the stress they create for volunteers, and how platforms like GoodHub can help take some of that pressure off.

Whether you’re a charity trustee, community group leader, or someone simply passionate about making a difference, I hope this gives you some insight and practical ideas.

The Reality of Funding for Charities and Community Halls

Securing grants and funding is rarely simple. Deadlines sneak up, criteria constantly shift, and often, you only find out about opportunities when they’re almost about to close. Charities and volunteer-run organisations are expected to jump through hoops, completing lengthy applications and collecting endless documentation, all while managing day-to-day operations with minimal resources.

At Great Wood Community Hall, we experienced this firsthand. We applied for a community fund, spent weeks preparing, submitted everything on time, and made it through all the stages. Then, just as we were waiting for decisions, the fund was scrapped due to the calling of elections.

No apologies. Just a dead-end after weeks of stress and hard work.

The Emotional and Practical Toll on Volunteers

This situation isn’t unique to us. Across the country, volunteers are putting in hours of unpaid work, trying to secure funding for local spaces that bring people together. When these processes fall apart, often due to decisions made far from the communities they impact, the stress lands on volunteers. The frustration builds. And the fear sets in: will there be funding next time, or is it another wild goose chase?

Governments and funding bodies need to think beyond deadlines and press releases. They need to consider the impact on the real people working in the background, often in their spare time trying to keep local facilities, events, and services running.

Why Sites Like GoodHub Matter for Your Organisation

Platforms like GoodHub offer a practical solution. Instead of relying solely on grants and the hope that funding bodies will come through, charities and community groups can create fundraising pages and connect directly with supporters.

GoodHub makes it easier to:

• Set up dedicated fundraising campaigns

• Share your story with a wider audience

• Collect donations without excessive admin

• Show impact to your local community and beyond

For volunteers, having this kind of tool at their fingertips can make a real difference. It allows them to take control and open up additional streams of funding that don’t rely on ever-changing government timelines.

You can find out more about GoodHub here: https://www.goodhub.com/

See how we’ve set up our own community fundraising page: Great Wood Community Hall on GoodHub

The Work That Goes Unseen Behind Every Application

I also want to highlight just how much effort goes into finding and applying for funding. Often, by the time these opportunities are made public, deadlines are already looming. Volunteers and small teams are forced to pull everything together at the last minute, navigating confusing criteria, endless forms, and tight submission windows.

It’s exhausting. And yet, these efforts are rarely acknowledged.

We need to encourage funding bodies and government departments to promote opportunities earlier and communicate better with the people working on the ground. Timely information could make the difference between missed chances and successful funding applications.

What You Can Do to Make a Difference

• If you’re involved in a charity or community group, consider creating a fundraising page on GoodHub or similar platforms.

• Don’t wait for grant opportunities to appear — build a bank of project ideas and supporting documents so you’re ready to apply quickly.

• Collaborate with other local organisations to share best practices, application tips, and fundraising strategies.

Conclusion

Funding is often a rollercoaster for charities and community groups. Just when you think you’ve secured something, the goalposts move or opportunities disappear altogether. But that doesn’t mean we give up.

We adapt, we find new ways to raise money, and we support each other in the process. Platforms like GoodHub give us more options, but long-term change needs to come from those who set the rules, with more consideration for the people working hard to make a difference.

Support & Resources for Your Organisation

At Savvy Business Management, I offer guidance and practical tools for rural businesses, charities, and councils.

📌 Writing Winning Grant Applications
📌 Social Media Starter Workbook

More tailored support available:

Charities & Community Groups
Local Councils
Entrepreneurs & Growing Businesses

Find out more about me and how I can help:

About Savvy Business Management

Thank You for Reading

Thank you for being part of this conversation. I know how much work goes into finding funding and how disheartening setbacks can feel. I hope this has given you ideas and reassurance that you’re not alone. I’d love to hear your thoughts, experiences, and questions.

Steph
Founder, Savvy Business Management | Local Councillor | Community Volunteer | Chair of Great Wood Community Hall